In brief: firework injuries

Just 42 firework injuries were treated at Welsh hospitals last year, a fall of 7 per cent on the previous year, according to statistics released by the Welsh Assembly 's health , statistics and analysis unit. Rocket injuries increased from nine to 13, but the number of injuries caused by sparklers fell from 12 to just three, the lowest figure recorded in 10 years.

Financial penalties are being lifted from high-profile standards including cancer and elective waiting times, so far without attracting much attention. How is this happening? And will it work, asks Rob Findlay